RRTS likely to outrun Metro in Ghaziabad

The Delhi Metro’s ambitious extension plans in Ghaziabad may take a beating in wake of the arrival of regional rapid transit system (RRTS) — an intercity train-connectivity project by the NCR Planning Board.

The Delhi Metro’s ambitious extension plans in Ghaziabad may take a beating in wake of the arrival of regional rapid transit system (RRTS) — an intercity train-connectivity project by the NCR Planning Board.

What has forced the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) officials to rethink about the Metro extension plans was mainly the cost factor. Also, competition and balance between the two systems of transport is believed to be another reason.

Apart from the first phase of Metro rail from Anand-Vihar in Delhi to Vaishali in Ghaziabad (around 2.57 km), the development authority has already prepared a detailed project report for the Dilshad-Garden to New Bus Stand (around 9.1 km) for the second phase of Metro extension plans.

“But the Metro plans could be reviewed in wake of the expected arrival of RRTS system. For the second phase, only detailed project report (DPR) is prepared and no groundwork has started yet. We will rethink as per feasibility is concerned,” said development authority's vice-chairman Narendra Kumar Chaudhary.

The RRTS plan was presented before the commissioner in Meerut for review last month. At present, the DPR preparation is in process, officials said.

“We cannot have a Metro rail running parallel to an RRTS. This is not a viable solution. For the second phase, the Metro extension plans are likely to take a backseat at Mohan Nagar, which could be developed into a major interchange hub for the Metro and the RRTS users,” said a GDA official.

Earlier, top Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) officials had written to the authority to extend the Vaishali-route to Mohan Nagar. However, the officials are yet to decide over its clearance, as the RRTS-system is also expected to run on the same stretch (Anand-Vihar to Mohan Nagar).

Once underway, the RRTS will connect Anand Vihar to Meerut in UP, via Ghaziabad, on a 58 km two-way stretch, which will be mostly elevated. The train is expected to cover the distance within 45-50 minutes.